Missouri State Highway Patrol — Public Information and Education Division
About the Program
In Missouri, 3 percent of all traffic crashes involves drinking. This statistic may seem insignificant — until you or someone you love becomes one. When that happens, it becomes evident that driving a vehicle or operating a watercraft while impaired is a serious and devastating crime.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to victims of DWI- and BWI-related crashes through the Filling a V.O.I.D. (Victims Of Impaired Drivers) program.
Crime Victim Hotline
Important Things to Know
Our officers and civilian victim advocate work together to support victims of impaired drivers. Officers will:
• Contact you after the incident to explain the Filling a V.O.I.D. program.
• Provide support, information, and assistance to victims and their families.
• Refer you to the appropriate agency or the victim hotline if you have specific needs.
The Civilian Victim Advocate
An advocate is a supporter, defender, or someone who can intervene and mediate on someone else's behalf. Our civilian victim advocate will:
• Provide information and assistance regarding the criminal justice system and securing your rights as a crime victim.
• Provide information concerning your crash or case.
• Establish contact with the appropriate prosecuting attorney.
• Help you obtain copies of reports and information.
• Provide resources and services that are specific to your needs.
How Can Filling a V.O.I.D. Assist You?
1. Utilize the Filling a V.O.I.D. civilian victim advocate and resources on the MSHP's website. The program is provided at no charge.
2. Find out what your rights are as a victim of a crime by contacting our hotline, website, or other victim service agencies.
3. Secure your rights. Send the appropriate prosecuting attorney a letter to be kept informed about your case.
4. Contact the investigating officer to discuss any questions you may have regarding the crash.
5. Register for MOVANS (Missouri Victim Automated Notification System) at Missouri Case Net or by calling 1-866-566-8267.
6. Keep a record of all expenses related to the case. This information may be needed for the prosecutor to obtain restitution for you.
Who Is Eligible for Services?
Program services focus on victims of impairment related crashes; however, any crime victim may call the hotline for assistance. Victims include:
• Someone injured or killed by an impaired driver, their family members, and their minor children.
• Passengers in a vehicle driven by an impaired driver.
• Children who are injured or killed in a vehicle driven by their impaired parent or caretaker.
• Pedestrians who have been involved in an impairment-related crash or their families.
After the Case Has Ended
As a victim of crime, you are entitled to information about the offender's custody status, parole hearings, hearing results, release to the community, escape, and death.
Department of Corrections, Office of Victim Services:(573) 526-6516
Crime Victims' Compensation Fund
The state of Missouri established the Crime Victims' Compensation Fund to reimburse some expenses associated with violent crime. A claim must be filed within two years from the incident date or discovery of the crime.
Compensation is available for medical costs, lost wages or loss of support, counseling, and emergency clothing. Property damage is not a compensable expense.
Crime Victims' Compensation:800-347-6881
MSHP Troop Headquarters
• Troop A — Lee's Summit — 816-622-0800
• Troop B — Macon — 660-385-2132
• Troop C — Weldon Spring — 636-300-2800
• Troop D — Springfield — 417-895-6868
• Troop E — Poplar Bluff — 573-840-9500
• Troop F — Jefferson City — 573-751-1000
• Troop G — Willow Springs — 417-469-3121
• Troop H — St. Joseph — 816-387-2345
• Troop I — Rolla — 573-368-2345
• GHQ — Jefferson City — 573-751-3313
Contact
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 E. Elm St., Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Email: mshppied@mshp.dps.mo.gov